Bandon, Oregon (almost to California border)

We made it to Southern Oregon in our first day which was a feat because Tanya was sick. We didn't leave Portland until around noon because we couldn't decide if we should postpone the trip or not. In the end, she decided that she would rather be sick with a view of the California coastline than her bedroom wall. So we left. She did great and her cold improved at the speed of light, in part due to the fantastic first night's sleep at Bandon's Seastar Guesthouse which used to be their local hostel. Not so anymore. For a very good price, we had a really nice bed in a super quaint room and a flat screen tv. We were across the street from the harbor and in the center of old town and there was a coffeeshop just next door. It was a very nice introduction to Bandon and an excellent start to our trip.

We are sooooo close to Cali!

I can smell it.

Bandon's harbor

California coast road trip - Day 2

Come, enter into the Redwoods, land of giants.

They are friendly.

I don't suggest jumping into the icy, aquamarine Smith River though.

Thank goodness Tanya was there to appreciate the small stuff too.

California coast road trip - Day 1

Cute driver...(new to stick shifting by the way)

cute car...(freshly outfitted with the "rocket box")

cute house...(we decided to buy it :)

and an amazing freakin' view!

Still in Oregon by the way -- can't you tell by my wool hat? In case you're wondering, I'm trying to balance on the wind.

Tanya and I went to Chicago to visit my mom for Chanukah '09

That's me and my great Uncle Jerry. He looked great and it was really nice to see him at my mom's Chanukah party.

In case you have no idea what you're looking at above, that is my mom, Jill, and Tanya silhouetted against the 40' tall television screens now planted in Chicago's Millennium Park.

It's a Shedd Aquarium sea horse!! (I forgot their proper name.)